COVID Vaccination in the U.S.: Your Most Common Questions Answered

The COVID-19 crisis has been hard for all of us, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Two vaccines have been approved for public use, and they look like a promising way to help put an end to this pandemic. Since the vaccines haven’t been out for long, you may have questions about how they work, when you can get them in the United States, and how effective they’ll be at combatting the virus. Read on to find the information you need so that you know what to expect when you go to a clinic or hospital for your vaccination shots.

Question 1 of 9:

When will the vaccine be available?

Vaccines are widely available now! Everyone 12 years and older is eligible to be vaccinated. 90% of people in the US live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccine location, and in many cases you do not even need an appointment. Vaccines made by Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have emergency FDA approval while the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine currently has full FDA approval. There has never been an easier time to get vaccinated!^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- It will take a little longer for a child-safe vaccine to become available. Children’s immune systems are not identical to adults, and more research needs to be done to ensure that the vaccines are safe and effective for children.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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Question 2 of 9:

Does the vaccine actually work?

Yes, all of the currently-approved vaccines appear to be effective. Going into 2021, 3 vaccines that have been approved in the United States. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (which has full FDA approval), the Moderna vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Here’s what we know about the efficacy of each vaccine:^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is 95% effective, meaning that 95% of people will be protected from becoming ill with the virus. It is approved for anyone 16 or older, and it requires 2 injections given within 21 days of one another.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- The Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective. It is currently approved for anyone 18 or older, and it requires 2 injections with 28 days between each dose.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Both of these vaccines rely on messenger mRNA technology. Traditionally, a vaccine contains a weak or dead version of an actual virus, which is injected into your body to teach your immune system to fight the virus in the future. The mRNA vaccines work by injecting a spike protein (not the COVID-19 virus) into your body. This protein, which resembles the COVID-19 virus, teaches your body to identify and fight the actual virus as it attaches itself to the cells in your body.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source}
- The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a more traditional vaccine, that only requires a single dose. In trials it was shown to be 66.3% effective at preventing infection after 2 weeks. However, the vaccine was highly efficacious at preventing hospitalization and death in people who did get sick. No one who was infected 4 weeks after being vaccinated with the J&J vaccine required hospitalization.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}

Question 3 of 9:

Is the COVID-19 vaccination safe?

1
Yes, none of the clinical trials indicate there’s any unique danger. The COVID-19 vaccines have undergone an intense series of trials and tests, and there isn’t any evidence that the 3 approved vaccines are uniquely dangerous. There are some risks if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccines, but this true of any vaccine or medical treatment.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source}
- There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding the vaccine. The reality is that the vaccines aren’t going to put the vast majority of people in harm’s way. The risks of catching or spreading COVID-19 far outweigh any potential side effects you may experience.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
2
Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated if you have a history of allergic reactions to medications. People with an allergy to any ingredients in the vaccines are the only group of people that the CDC explicitly says should not be inoculated.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source} If you have a history of anaphylaxis or other strong reactions to injections, vaccines, or medications, but no explicit allergy to the ingredients in the vaccine, talk to your doctor before you get inoculated.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source} Your doctor may still recommend that you get the vaccine depending on your personal history and what you’re allergic to, but you should still consult a doctor first.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Don’t worry if you have allergies to pets, pollen, latex, food, or anything like that. You’re only at risk if you’ve had reactions to injections or medications.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- There are zero reports of anyone dying from taking the vaccine.^{[14]XResearch source} If you do get the vaccine and you have an allergic reaction, you will be surrounded by healthcare professionals who will be able to treat you on the spot, so try not to worry.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
3
Vaccination is now recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You may still want to talk to your healthcare provider first, but the CDC currently recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding women get vaccinated because all the trials so far show that it is safe. Getting vaccinated while pregnant may even help build antibodies that can protect your baby! ^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- If you’re at increased risk because you’re immunocompromised, it may be worth it to get the vaccine even if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Just talk to your doctor to weigh your options.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
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Question 4 of 9:

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

1
Common side effects include minor pain and swelling at the injection site. After each injection in your arm, you may experience some slight swelling, redness, or residual pain. This is totally normal, and these side effects should go away after a day or two. You can apply a cool washcloth to your arm to reduce swelling. Exercising and moving your arm after getting the vaccine may help as well.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Call your doctor if the pain and swelling don’t dissipate or gets worse after a few days.
- Side effects are not unique for a vaccination. You may have never noticed them when you’ve gotten vaccinated for other viruses in the past, but the COVID-19 vaccines are not unique in this way.^{[19]XResearch source}
- Outside of pain, redness, and swelling, there do not appear to be any other localized reactions to the vaccine.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceUS Food and Drug AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for promoting public healthGo to source}
- There is no clinical data or information regarding the co-administration of the COVID-19 vaccines alongside other vaccinations.^{[21]XTrustworthy SourceUS Food and Drug AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for promoting public healthGo to source}
2
You may also experience flu-like symptoms for a day or two. Along with the superficial side effects at the injection site, you may also experience flu-like symptoms after you get the shot. These symptoms may be unpleasant, but they should go away in a day or two. If you get the vaccine and run into these side effects, just drink plenty of water, dress lightly, and take it easy for a few days.^{[22]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Based on the FDA’s data from the trials, common potential side effects include: fatigue, headache, and muscle aches or pains. Less common side effects include: fever, chills, diarrhea, and joint pain.^{[23]XTrustworthy SourceUS Food and Drug AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for promoting public healthGo to source}
- If any flu-like symptoms don’t go away after a few days, contact your primary care doctor.
- These symptoms do not occur because you’re actually sick. It is simply a result of your immune system responding to the spike protein in the vaccine.^{[24]XResearch source}
- For the Johnson & Johnson vaccine there is a plausible link to a very rare and serious side effect, blood clots with low platelets. This was only found to mostly affect women between the ages of 18 and 49 at a rate of only 7 events per 1 million vaccinated women.^{[25]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
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Question 5 of 9:

Can you get infected with COVID-19 after the vaccination?

Yes, since it takes time for the vaccine to start working and it’s only 94-95% effective. This means that you can still become infected with COVID-19 immediately after you’ve received the vaccine. The vaccines are also only 94.1% and 95% effective, so roughly 1 in 20 people will not become immune to the COVID-19 virus. This is why it’s important that you continue to socially distance and wear a mask, even after you’ve been inoculated.^{[26]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine looks like it starts working roughly 7 days after the first dose for most people, although the Moderna vaccine may take a little longer to kick in.^{[27]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

Question 6 of 9:

Why should you get vaccinated against COVID-19?

Getting vaccinated reduces the odds that you spread the virus to others. It will also decrease the risk that you get sick from COVID-19 in the future.^{[28]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} As more and more people get vaccinated, the spread of the virus will slow down. If you want to protect yourself, protect the health of others, and get back to the way things were before the pandemic, there is no real reason you shouldn’t get the vaccine if you aren’t allergic to it.^{[29]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Even if you have a history of allergic reactions to vaccines or medication, your doctor may still recommend getting the vaccine. It really depends on your doctor’s analysis of your medical history.^{[30]XResearch source}
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Question 7 of 9:

Are vaccines required when traveling to the U.S.?

There are no vaccination requirements for visitors or travelers. This applies to tourists and citizens alike, whether you’re traveling to the United States or leaving the country. Some states may still have advisories in place, but there is no vaccine requirement.^{[31]XResearch source}
- Since the United States has had such a high infection rate, some countries are requiring a vaccine before citizens can come home if they’re visiting the United States. You may not want to take that trip to the U.S. if you’re a foreign citizen and you’re trying to put off taking the vaccine.^{[32]XResearch source}
- There are a variety of vaccines you are required to take if you’re emigrating to the United States, but the COVID-19 vaccine is not one of them.^{[33]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Vaccines may become required for traveling within the United States, so it is a good idea to get vaccinated just in case.^{[34]XResearch source}

Question 8 of 9:

Are any alternative vaccines available?

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are the only options right now.^{[35]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} However, more vaccines may become available in the future. A lot of pharmaceutical companies and researchers are still working on developing new vaccines in the hopes that they may be more effective or easier to use than those that are currently available.^{[36]XResearch source}
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Question 9 of 9:

What are the differences between the vaccines?

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is a little harder to ship and store. Pfizer’s vaccine has to be kept at −80 to −60 °F (−62 to −51 °C), while Moderna’s does not. This requires a lot of dry ice, and shipping it carries a wide array of challenges. A future vaccine may be easier to store, but the fact that other researchers are working on new vaccines does not mean that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine isn’t effective.^{[37]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work the same way—they both rely on the messenger mRNA technology, which teaches your immune system to combat COVID-19 by exposing it to a spike protein.^{[38]XResearch source}
- The Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is 95% effective and the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is 66.3% effective.
- The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require 2 shots. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine injections must be administered within 21 days.^{[39]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source} The Moderna vaccine requires 2 injections given 28 days apart.^{[40]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- The Johnson & Johnson vaccine needs only a single shot and is also a more traditional type of vaccine.
- The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 12 or older, while the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for anyone 18 or older.

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Once the vaccine is available to the public, you will be able to find the closest clinic offering the vaccine at https://vaccinefinder.org/.^{[41]XTrustworthy SourceState of MassachusettsOfficial website for the State of MassachusettsGo to source}
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Any federally-purchased vaccines will be given away for free. Vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee, although this should be covered by your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund will cover the cost.^{[42]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
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No steps have been skipped in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines. They have undergone just as much scientific scrutiny and just as many clinical trials as any other medical treatment or vaccine out there.^{[43]XResearch source}
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